Welcome to Opunake

Description.

Opunake is a small town on the southwest coast of Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island. It is located 45 kilometres southwest of New Plymouth. Rahotu is 16Â km to the northwest. Manaia is 29Â km to the southeast. State Highway 45 passes through the town.
The town has a population of 1,360 (June 2016).

The town was settled in the 1880s. It was intended to be a major port but, other than a jetty constructed in 1891, little else was completed.
Opunake is the centre for the local dairy industry, and is also a popular tourist spot, having one of Taranaki's finest beaches. The beach is composed of volcanic blacksand and there are large rock pools to be found on the north-west end of the beach at low tide.

The Opunake and surrounding community has a South Taranaki District Council LibraryPlus, which provides full library and Council related services.
A statue of Peter Snell was unveiled on Saturday 19 May 2007 to celebrate the fame of this son of Opunake.
Other notable people born in Opunake include former All Black captain Graham Mourie, prop Carl Hayman and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

Opunake murals.

From a rich farming history to MÄori culture and modern industry, this set of wall murals found along the main road in the town of Opunake, Taranaki give just a little insight into what this region is about.

Assorted Wall Murals called "Reflections of Opunake" 1900 - 2000 Commissioned by the Egmont Arts Council. Designed and Painted by Mural Artist Dennis Lattimer during April/May 2002. Opunake, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand..

Opunake Open Studios and Galleries Map.

As well as many other things to do and see in Opunake there is now an artist trail including The Brown Bach Studio open to visitors consisting of 7 local artists with open studios and gallery spaces. Please feel free to download a copy of the map, . Also more detailed information available on Instagram and Facebook pages @opunakeartists.